Testimonials

I didn't know Romanians loved flamenco so munch. We had here in Timisoara an audience that listened with their hearts, not their ears.

Salao

Flamenco, Spain

The hospitality of people and the fact that so many languages are spoken here is what amazes me the most. People are very open. I'm glad these things play an important role in academic life, also. There are very few places where there is this harmonious cohabitation between different cultural groups.
What has been possible here since the 9th century would be quite difficult to obtain anywhere...

Willibald Steinmetz

Historian, Bielefeld University

There are two things that I find attractive about this town. The first would be the Central-European architectural style. There are remains of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at each step. I love the squares, the parks by the canal. The second would be the multiculturalism of the city. It's visible how the city was formed by the interaction of different social groups. Something of the Old Europe is...

Michael Freeden

Historian, University of Oxford

I didn't know much about Timisoara, I had just seen the name in our books on contemporary history that mention Banat. I'm impressed by these capitals of micro-regions such as Banat or Transylvania.
They are urban centers that have taken over responsibility for preserving traditions. For people coming from a central European country, it is very impressive to see these alternatives.

Maurice Aymard

Historian, L’ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales

I had read Robert Musil's "The Man Without Qualities" before visiting Timisoara and, when I arrived here, I felt as if I had stepped into the novel. I was positively charmed by the Unirii Square. On one side - the Catholic Church, on the other - the Orthodox Church. Opposite the Baroque Palace there is the Nikolaus Lenau school, which I knew Herta Müller had attended; later I found out that...

Hans-Erich Bödeker

Historian, the Göttingen University

When I left the country, Timisoara still had the atmosphere of the '90s, after the Revolution. Timisoara does things so impetuously, whole-heartedly. It's this blend of Central and Eastern Europe. It has a unique atmosphere. If you go to Vienna, it's not the same; it's much more anchored in Western Europe, but here, it still feels eastern. Plus, the audience is great here - very open.

Lucian Ban

Composer and Pianist

We loved being the resident band of PLAI Festival and see before us such a welcoming, receptive crowd. This is certainly the merit of Timisoara and the multiculturalism that we've heard and seen so much about in the four days we've spent here.

Light in Babylon

Worldmusic, Turcia

We are overwhelmed by your hospitality. Moreover, the Banat Village Museum has a wooden stage, which is one of the best for us, acoustically; our music can be heard very well when it is played on a wooden stage. But what we loved most is that Timisoara and PLAI Festival are teeming with youth.

Tito Paris

Cabo Verde

Ever since I got here, everybody has been treating me wonderfully. I even got to see the city a bit; those buildings in Unirii Square are gorgeous. I was very sad not to have a guide with me, to explain to me what I was seeing, but next time I'll certainly take a local with!

Andreea Miltnerova

Ballerina, the Czech Republic

When I saw Miss Timisoara for the first time, I was 17. It was a brief, intense look that I gave her. She seemed cold, distant, perhaps even a little conceited. But at the same time elegant, refined, mysterious. Cosmopolitan. Not easily approachable, I mean. I went back home, still thinking about her. I had a choice to make. Napoca had her advantages as well. Closer and handier was yet another...

Robert Şerban

Miss Timişoara

I have very strong connections with Romania; my grandfather was Romanian; he was from Sibiu, and he left to Austria very many years ago. I'm very glad I could be here at JazzTM, in a country I've heard so much about. And Timisoara is a gorgeous city, with warm people, who welcomed us with open arms.

Steph Kondert

The Ruff Pack

I wish you all the luck in your European Capital of Culture candidacy. I know that this title brings, besides European funds, a sea of tourists, and your city - as much as I could see of it, anyway - has a lot to show the world.

Rami Khalife

Aufgang

I had no idea that the place where JazzTM takes place has such a rich history and that it's such a meaningful place for this country. We're honored to be here.

Liv Warfield w/ The NPG Hornz

I went out for a walk around town, to feel its pulse. Timisoara is incredibly alive and full of history, and this is visible within the first five minutes you spend in the center.

Marcus Miller

Timisoara, you're a wonderful audience! I promise to return whenever you invite me back to this beautiful city, and that gorgeous cathedral in the background. Thank you!

Dianne Reeves

I saw that Timisoara is a living city, with people that have a deep understanding of jazz, and this says a lot about the culture dimension of the area.

Guillaume Perret

A living festival in a living place. Timisoara welcomed us open arms, and the audience here showed us that the place is ready for any large cultural event. Thank you for everything, we look forward to coming back!

Asian Dub Foundation

UK

Everything starts in Timisoara. That is why we chose to launch our first album here. We play a lot of instrumental, fusion music and we love that we can live it, here.

BaLaKo

We created here a project that could potentially pass beyond the borders: Subcarpaţi + orchestra. And I don't think it would have been doable anywhere else.

Mircea Ardeleanu Jr.

Subcarpaţi + orchestra

Antonio Passarelli

Chef, TV personality

What was your first impression of Timisoara? A gorgeous city. This was October 5, 1990 - clean, with beautiful, civilized people. Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." A dream for a bright future. What is your most intense memory of Timisoara? The first time I saw Victoriei Square, at 2 o'clock in...Read

Aura Twarowska

Mezzo-soprano, Soloist with the Vienna Opera

What was your first impression of Timisoara? My magical encounter with Timisoara took place when I was 18 and, having freshly graduated from Brediceanu high school in Lugoj, I went to the county capital with fear in my heart. Timisoara welcomed me with open arms: I was accepted at the Business School, although the ratio of applicants to available places...Read

Petru Ilieșu

Writer, Founding President of Fundatia Timisoara '89, Initiator of the Open Art City project

What was your first impression of Timisoara? As I was born in Timisoara, the way I entered the city was through these large wooden gates of a building on Nicolae Titulescu Street. Then the street revealed itself, with bridges on both ends, farther on still, among trees over which murders of crows were making rounds; I then saw the Cathedral...Read

Renée Renard

Visual Artist

Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." A harmonious combination between the contemporary space, the present time and the people with a strong sense of attachment to the city (I'm including here people who create added value for the city by means of their work and creation). The spirit of Timisoara cannot be alive unless the history, charm and...Read

Daniel Malbert

Director of the French Institute of Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? Quelle a été votre première impression sur Timisoara? J’ai été surpris par la beauté de la ville. J’ai aimé le charme des quartiers Iosefin et Fabric. I was surprised by the beauty of the city. I loved the charm of Iosefin and Fabric quarters. Name three things that come to mind when talking...Read

Johnny Bota

Musician, Director of the Kamo Blues-Jazz Gala, co-founder and leader of the Bega Blues Band

What was your first impression of Timisoara? The first and the only: "home!" Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." Ecumenism (including the profane kind!), openness to the West, expressive freshness. What is your most intense memory of Timisoara? The birth of my son, at 5:40 AM on Monday, May 11, 1981. What...Read

Gabriel Mălăncioiu

Composer, Founder of the Timsonia Festival of Contemporary Music

What was your first impression of Timisoara? A youthful city, full of parks. – Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." Diversity, youth, beauty. What is your most intense memory of Timisoara? One of my most beloved memories is the composition classes that used to take place at Remus Georgescu's house. What I used...Read

Ciprian Chirileanu

Visual Artist, Initiator of Project Diplomatic Art

What was your first impression of Timisoara? I was born in Timisoara, but I moved to Targu Mures with my family. I could say I've got several first impressions because we visited here quite a few times before coming back for good. Every time I came back I was shocked to rediscover how wide the streets were and also, emotionally...Read

Georg Peetz

Actor with the German State Theater of Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? Coming from the station, the Republicii Boulevard towards the center: apartment buildings, one of them with an enormous drawing, celebrating the victory of Communism; people looking down. According to you, what is the manifestation of the "spirit of Timisoara?" The balcony of the Opera House. What is your most intense memory of Timisoara?...Read

Alexandra Guţu

Cello Player

What was your first impression of Timisoara? Timisoara is the city where I was born, so my first impressions are childhood impressions, of my neighborhood, Lahovary Square (Balcescu, today), my kindergarten on the Coroana de Otel Street (Independentei, today)... beautiful places and beautiful people. Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." I've spoken...Read

Cristian Tzecu

Mountaineer and Photographer

What was your first impression of Timisoara? The first thing I ever saw here was a beautiful spring. My parents were taking me home from the maternity ward, it was sunny and warm, and accidentally or not, Timisoara was my first encounter with the world. Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." You'll...Read

Levente Kozma

Founder of Simultan Festival

What was your first impression of Timisoara? That it's a dynamic, open-minded city, where ideas can come to life. Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." Apparently spirits migrate, too; Timisoara has to reinvent itself, to (re)define its values. To become aware of its diversity and use it as an advantage, especially in...Read

Octavian Sever Coifan

Parfumeur à Paris

What was your first impression of Timisoara? The magnificent smell of incense and myrrh at the splendid Cathedral. I discovered Timisoara through the secret gardens that hide their unique beauty behind the great walls of old houses. I discovered it in the mirror, as reflected in the soul of those who, preserving the mystery of the suspended gardens, reconstruct their...Read

Narcisa Brumar

Soprano, the Romanian National Opera of Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? I don't know, I don't remember exactly! I discovered it with the eyes and mind of the child I used to be, a child that is enchanted by its surroundings, certain that they have extraordinary qualities. Anyway, everything at that time was oversized. It was a love that never came undone. I've always...Read

Professor Felician Roșca PhD

Organ Player, Founder and Director of the International TimOrgelFest Festival

What was your first impression of Timisoara? An open and welcoming city, the suitable place for a Christian culture and lifestyle. Immediately after the Revolution, Timisoara had high hopes for morality and change, and the flag of liberty was waving in the hearts of many. Afterwards, certain desiderata were confiscated and distorted by those who did not wish to see...Read

Suzana Fântânariu-Baia

Visual artist

What was your first impression of Timisoara? That it has an architectural aesthetic that sets it apart and acts as a historian of its values. A great open-air museum of sorts. Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." The living flame of the 1989 Revolution; the spirit of freedom, dignity and openness to...Read

Șoimiţa Lupu

International Prima Ballerina, Teatro Massimo, Italy

What was your first impression of Timisoara? To me, Timisoara is like no other. It's where I was born and spent a great deal of my childhood; it is also the city I've longed and cried for throughout the years of my education as a ballerina, namely since I was 9 and had to move to Bucharest, where I studied....Read

Silviu Damșe

Missionary Minister

What was your first impression of Timisoara? It was overwhelming. At age 6 I hid on the backseat of my parents' car, in my pajamas. I knew they were going to town, but they didn't want to take me with them, so I cheated my way in. Half way along, I told them I was there. They were a bit...Read

Bogdan Roman

Tenor, The Romanian National Opera of Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? I wouldn't count the very first impression. My first encounter with Timisoara took place 8 or 9 years ago. En route to Germany on tour, our bus had a flat tire so we stopped in Timisoara at about 3 AM, somewhere in Badea Cartan. I remember I had coffee from a kiosk across...Read

Balázs Attila

Actor, Director of the "Csiky Gergely" Hungarian Theater in Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? The first time I ever came to this city I was brought straight to the theater. And I felt like the building on the inside was an incomprehensible maze. Now, I've gotten to the point where I can find my way around, but it still happens that I discover a door that leads...Read

Gheorghe Fikl

Visual Artist

What is your most intense memory of Timisoara? The black marble cross by a park somewhere. Name three things that come to mind when talking about "the spirit of Timisoara." It's a nostalgic memory, that I can't reach today. What is the one place in the city that you associate the most with? The airport. What could Timisoara 2021 be...Read

Professor Dan Negrescu PhD

Writer, Head of the Department of Classic Languages of the Faculty of Letters within the West University of Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? My first impression was of the outskirts, as I saw the light of day in Mehala. On my street there were people speaking Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian, German - at some point I remember witnessing a gypsy fight, too - so whenever I was taking the tram towards the center, to the Old Town...Read

Lucian M. Vărșăndan

Director of the German State Theatre Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? My first impressions are related to my childhood: the roads of my childhood through the neighborhoods of Circumvalatiunii and Mehala, the tram that I used to find fascinating, then the first times I ever went to the Opera, when I was eight. The first four shows that I saw here were "Puss in...Read

José Miguel Viñals

Honorary Consul of Spain in Timisoara

What was your first impression of Timisoara? I arrived here in April 2007. Timisoara was just coming out of winter. The people were cheerful and there were flowers everywhere downtown. So the impression I got was pleasant because, in addition to the beauty of the place, I saw that it was a very active industrial hub, with a dynamic economy,...Read

Adriana Carcu

What was your first impression of Timisoara? It's quite difficult to identify the moment when you become aware of the environment you are born in. I think something similar happened on Sundays when I was a teenager and my friends and I would go see the matinees at the Philharmonic; then, in our elegant clothes, we'd walk along the Corso,...Read